2013 3M Student Fellows Feature Article - What is it “To Lead?”: A Nuanced Exploration of Leadership by 3M National Student Fellows

Abstract

In Canadian higher education, students from across the world interact within tight-knit communities, sharing ideas and developing a wealth of soft and disciplinary skills. With many universities playing host to dozens if not hundreds of student groups, the word “leadership” is uttered by students and faculty in hallways, gymnasiums, outdoors areas and of course, student group meeting rooms. On June 20, 2013, five members of the 2013 3M National Student Fellowship cohort explored the term “leadership,” sharing their personal experiences and observations with Canadian faculty members as part of a Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) workshop. This paper explores the conversations and ideas that emerged at the workshop in light of the group’s pre-STLHE online discussions and the current emphasis on leadership in Canadian higher education.